Understand Early—What Are the Signs of Prostate Enlargement?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate enlargement, commonly affects aging men and can significantly impact daily life. Recognizing the symptoms early helps you take smarter, more effective steps before complications arise. Prostate issues are not just about urinary trouble—they can signal internal imbalances that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long aimed to address holistically. TCM herbal remedy ingredients for prostate health

Typical Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Men affected by BPH often experience:
  • Lower urinary tract symptoms: frequent urination, urgency, weak stream, difficulty starting, and overflow incontinence. Drinking alcohol, catching a cold, or overexertion can worsen these by causing the bladder neck to become congested, sometimes leading to urinary retention.
  • Occasional blood in urine, known as hematuria. If left untreated, BPH may lead to chronic kidney issues like uremia in later stages.
  • Digital rectal exam findings: the prostate feels enlarged, with a smooth surface and reduced central groove. In some cases, the middle lobe of the prostate enlarges and protrudes into the bladder without major overall size change.
  • If diagnosis is unclear: consult your doctor for a cystoscopy or bladder imaging to confirm.

Digging Deeper—What Causes Prostate Enlargement?

According to both modern and traditional medicine, several causes may contribute to BPH:
  • Hormonal imbalances—especially fluctuations in testosterone and estrogen with age.
  • Inflammation or stagnation—from diet, poor circulation, or lifestyle issues like sitting too long.
  • External triggers—such as alcohol, spicy foods, or cold environments, which can aggravate bladder function.
From the TCM lens, BPH is often linked to Kidney deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, or Damp-Heat accumulation in the lower burner.

Trusted & Simple—TCM Folk Remedy for Prostate Health

Here’s a well-known TCM-inspired home remedy that may support urinary function and reduce prostate swelling. This recipe is designed to nourish the kidneys, promote urination, and clear internal heat:

Ingredients:

  • Winter melon seeds (Dong Gua Zi) — 30g. Available at herbal stores.
  • Black fungus (Auricularia auricula) — 15g. Found in most Asian grocery stores.

Preparation:

Boil both ingredients in 3 cups of water over low heat for 30 minutes. Drink once daily for 7–10 days. This tea may help improve urination and reduce discomfort. Safety Note: Do not consume in excess or use long-term without professional guidance. Always remove the embryo from Gingko (bai guo) if included in other formulas. Ginkgo seeds without proper preparation may be toxic.

Why These Ingredients?

  • Winter melon seeds are traditionally used to clear heat and promote fluid metabolism, targeting swelling and urinary retention ((PMID: 31378780)).
  • Black fungus supports circulation and helps soften stool, easing abdominal pressure on the prostate. It’s also rich in fiber and antioxidants ((PMID: 24079233)).
According to Huangdi Neijing, maintaining harmony in the Kidney and Liver organ systems is essential for stable urinary function and male reproductive health ((PMID: 9453053)).

What Now? Quick Check & Easy Fix

If you often wake up urgently needing to urinate → immediately try the winter melon seed + black fungus tea, once daily after dinner. If you strain during urination + feel incomplete emptying → right away avoid alcohol and greasy foods for one week while starting herbal support.

For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.